In the upcoming Qualifier 2 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday (May 24). Pat Cummins‘ SRH enter the contest after a disappointing eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Qualifier 1. On the other hand, Sanju Samson-led RR are riding high on confidence following their four-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator. The outcome of this match will determine which team advances to the IPL 2024 final to challenge KKR for the coveted title.

Challenges at Chepauk

The MA Chidambaram Stadium is famous for its spin-friendly surface, known to provide conditions conducive to spin bowling. Typically, the pitch at this venue offers slow and low bounce, creating challenges for batters facing spinners. The surface’s characteristics make it an ideal environment for spin bowlers to showcase their skills, as they can extract considerable turn and cause difficulties for the opposition batters.

SRH vs RR: Head to Head Records: 

In the history of the IPL since its inception in 2008, SRH and RR have faced each other 19 times.
The rivalry between Hyderabad and Rajasthan has been closely matched, with SRH leading with 10-9.
In their recent six encounters, the contests have remained evenly contested, with both sides winning 3 matches each.
This will be the first encounter between both the sides at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Also READ: IPL 2024 Playoffs Schedule: Dates, Match Timings, Teams and Venues

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Overview:

In the previous game, SRH’s typically strong batting lineup faltered, with Rahul Tripathi being the lone contributor with a fifty, before Pat Cummins‘ late onslaught helped them reach a total of 159. However, KKR chased down the target comfortably, wrapping up the victory in under 14 overs. Despite this setback, SRH earned another chance to reach the final by finishing second in the points table. The team heavily relies on its openers to provide a solid start, and they will be looking for a strong performance from them in this crucial fixture. SRH will be determined to give their all in pursuit of victory and secure their spot in the IPL 2024 final.

SRH’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 against RR:

Travis Head
Abhishek Sharma
Rahul Tripathi
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Heinrich Klaasen(wk)
Abdul Samad
Shahbaz Ahmed
Pat Cummins(c)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
T Natarajan

A closure look:

SRH lineup for their upcoming match will feature Head and Abhishek at the top of the order, providing a solid foundation with their batting prowess. Tripathi and Nitish Kumar add depth to the middle order, while Klaasen, the wicketkeeper, brings international experience and stability to the lineup. Samad, Shahbaz and Cummins contribute as all-rounders, offering both batting depth and bowling options.

Cummins, the captain, will lead from the front with his leadership and all-round abilities, while Bhuvneshwar brings his vast experience and skill as the pace spearhead. Viyaskanth and  Natarajan round out the bowling attack, providing variety and potency with their pace and variations. This well-balanced lineup positions SRH strongly as they aim to secure a crucial victory in their next match.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Salary of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) players; check out how much Travis Head, Pat Cummins earn

Rajasthan Royals (RR) Overview:

Despite enduring four consecutive defeats leading up to the Eliminator, RR showed resilience and determination. They displayed a renewed sense of focus, successfully chasing down a target of 173 runs to defeat RCB by four wickets. Star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal regained his form, scoring crucial runs in the high-pressure encounter. Jaiswal’s fluent knock of 45 off 30 balls was instrumental in Rajasthan’s victory. Additionally, Rajasthan’s bowling unit has been performing well and will be eager to maintain their momentum as they aim to edge closer to clinching the IPL title.

RR’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 against SRH:

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Sanju Samson(c/wk)
Riyan Parag
Dhruv Jurel
Rovman Powell
Ravichandran Ashwin
Trent Boult
Avesh Khan
Sandeep Sharma
Yuzvendra Chahal

A closure look:

RR lineup for their upcoming match features Yashasvi and Tom Kohler at the top of the order, aiming to provide a solid start with their batting prowess. Samson, the captain and wicketkeeper, anchors the middle order and provides leadership with his experience and batting skills. Parag and Jurel add depth to the batting lineup, while Powell offers power-hitting capabilities in the middle overs.

The all-round abilities of Ashwin provide a valuable contribution, both with the bat and ball, while Boult and Avesh lead the pace attack with their skill and experience. Sandeep adds further depth to the pace bowling department, bringing his swing and accuracy to the table. Chahal, the leg-spinner, will be key in the middle overs, aiming to pick up crucial wickets and control the flow of runs. This well-balanced lineup positions RR strongly as they aim for success in their upcoming match.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Salary of Rajasthan Royals (RR) players; check out how much Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson earn

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